CAPTAIN JOHN T. SMITH

New York may justly be proud of her contribution to Houston County's honor roll of pioneers. On March 5th, 1815 Captain John T. Smith was born in the State of New York and later moved to Georgia, where he served in the Legislature of the State before coming to Texas in 1849 to begin a memorable career as a citizen of the Lone Star State. He served in the Texas Legislature during three sessions in 1866, 1873 and 1874.

He died in Austin on February 16th, 1874, while serving in the Legislature and a delegation of Representatives escorted his remains to Crockett for burial.  Dr. Frank Rainey, one of his best friends, also served with him in 1874, and at the memorial services held in the Legislative Hall, paid him a high and glowing tribute and accompanied his remains to Crockett.  Among other things, Dr. Rainey said: "During the Civil War, he served  in the Confederate Army, and his services proved him to be worthy.

He was the head of a family who almost idolized him for his many virtues. One of Texas noblest sons had died. His character was irreproachable.

Captain Smith also served several terms as Chief Justice of Houston County.  At one time he operated the steamboat "Ida Reese" on the Trinity River. His family was hardly less distinguished than himself. His oldest daughter, Augusta Louise, first married Isaac Adair, who died while serving in the Confederate Army.  She later married J. M. Porter, one of the outstanding citizens of Houston County, who gave his name to the town of Porter Springs.  His next oldest daughter, Georgiana, married Captain B. B. Arrington, and they have a number of descendants still living in Crockett.  His third daughter, Elizabeth, married B. F. Chamberlain, the father of our fellow-townsman, B. F. Chamberlain.  His fourth daughter, Grace, married Dr. S. T. Beasley, and was the mother of Mrs. W. H. Denny and Stephen T. Beasley.  His fifth daughter, Mollie, married I. W. Murchison and she was the mother of Smith and Gaines Murchison. The one son of Captain Smith was Dr. John B. Smith, an eminent physician, who also served as Representative in the Texas Legislature

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